The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in just over a week, and for the Denver Broncos, the first night will be a waiting game. Without a first-round pick, their initial selection isn't scheduled until late in Friday's second round at No. 62—unless a trade shakes things up. As the final mock drafts circulate, a compelling narrative is emerging: the Broncos might just land a player with first-round talent at that very spot.

In his latest projection, ESPN's venerable draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. sends Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks to Denver. Kiper notes that with a deep roster already in place, the Broncos can afford a calculated gamble. Banks possesses the disruptive interior presence and run-stuffing ability of a Day 1 pick, but a history of foot injuries has clouded his draft stock. Standing at 6'6" and 327 pounds, he could be an ideal fit to help fill the void left by John Franklin-Myers' departure in free agency for coordinator Vance Joseph's defense.

Kiper's mock carries significant weight in the draft community, and this projection is starting to feel like a real possibility. The logic is sound for Denver: with a strong foundation on the roster, they have the flexibility to target high-upside players who may slide due to medical concerns. In Banks' case, the risk is mitigated by his obvious talent; if he were fully healthy, he'd likely be long gone by pick 62.

The concern is valid, however. Banks missed nearly all of last season at Florida after a foot injury in camp, and then suffered a broken metatarsal at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. But when he's on the field, the film reveals a raw, powerful prospect with immense potential to develop into a force along the defensive line. For a team looking to add a dynamic piece without a first-round pick, snagging a talent like Banks in the second round could be a draft-day steal.